as in mistake
an unintentional departure from truth or accuracy
played the entire piano piece without a single fumble
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in to blow
to make or do (something) in a clumsy or unskillful way
her assistant fumbled the party plans by getting the time wrong on the invitations
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to grope
to search for something blindly or uncertainly
the librarian fumbled for the light switch as she entered the dark room
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in to stumble
to make a mistake
just when it looked like he was going to get away with the ruse, he fumbled
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of fumble
Matt Roy, Boston Herald, 20 Sep. 2025
The Razorbacks still had all of their timeouts remaining after the late fumble at Memphis, but the Tigers were able to run out the clock when backup quarterback Arrington Maiden ran for 11 yards on third-and-8.
—Arkansas Online, 20 Sep. 2025
David Weigel, semafor.com, 10 Sep. 2025
This comes just days after Tagovailoa threw two interceptions and fumbled the ball en route to the Indianapolis Colts’ drubbing of the Dolphins.
—C. Isaiah Smalls Ii, Miami Herald, 10 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for fumble
Noun
Things only got worse for Central Catholic as a fumble on the kickoff led to a 10-yard Maxwell Parent TD and a 23-0 lead after one quarter.
—Matt Roy, Boston Herald, 20 Sep. 2025
The Razorbacks still had all of their timeouts remaining after the late fumble at Memphis, but the Tigers were able to run out the clock when backup quarterback Arrington Maiden ran for 11 yards on third-and-8.
—Arkansas Online, 20 Sep. 2025
Verb
Progressives fumbled their 2022 campaigns for the seat, when multiple candidates with left-wing credentials knocked each other out, letting Goldman prevail with just 26% of the vote.
—David Weigel, semafor.com, 10 Sep. 2025
This comes just days after Tagovailoa threw two interceptions and fumbled the ball en route to the Indianapolis Colts’ drubbing of the Dolphins.
—C. Isaiah Smalls Ii, Miami Herald, 10 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for fumble
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fumble
Noun
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But Trump has seemed to suggest that the drone incident may have been a mistake.—
Michelle Stoddart,
ABC News,
16 Sep. 2025
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Consumer Behavior Supports Continued Innovation One of leaders’ biggest mistakes during volatile periods is assuming all consumer behavior changes negatively.—
Talbott Roche,
Forbes.com,
15 Sep. 2025
Verb
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The Chargers blew a 21-point second-half lead, only to respond on the final drive of the fourth quarter with a winning touchdown.—
Daniel Popper,
New York Times,
22 Sep. 2025
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Craft your own pumpkin, blown by professionals out of hot molten glass.—
Caroline Ritzie,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
21 Sep. 2025
Verb
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There was another meeting at Perry’s home in 2021, during which Dixon said the producer again drank too much and allegedly groped Dixon during a good-night hug, according to The Hollywood Reporter.—
Martha Ross,
Mercury News,
10 Sep. 2025
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Students described being held down and having teammates rub their genitals on their faces, being groped in locker rooms, and in some cases penetrated with a broomstick.—
Hannah Dreyfus,
AZCentral.com,
31 Aug. 2025
Verb
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Without a strategic game plan, even the strongest efforts can stumble before crossing the finish line.—
Rohit Shrivastava,
Forbes.com,
17 Sep. 2025
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TikToker Callie Rose Bedford, known as @calrose5, stumbled on the vase during a shopping trip and shared what happened next in a video that has more than 7 million views.—
Alice Gibbs,
MSNBC Newsweek,
17 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Shrader missed badly from 60 yards but Tillman’s infraction gave the Colts another untimed down and Shrader nailed the do-over to give Indy its first 2-0 start since 2009 and send the Broncos home with big regrets over their blunder.—
Arnie Stapleton,
Denver Post,
16 Sep. 2025
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Pittsburgh Steelers kick returner Kaleb Johnson suffered an unfortunate blunder during the team’s game against the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday afternoon.—
Ryan Gaydos,
FOXNews.com,
15 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Bills punter Cameron Johnston booted the ball away, but a flag was thrown on the play.—
Ryan Gaydos,
FOXNews.com,
19 Sep. 2025
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Stewart showed up to host one day after ABC booted Jimmy Kimmel.—
Raechal Shewfelt,
Entertainment Weekly,
19 Sep. 2025
Verb
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The jeans also have a cropped length that hits right at the ankle and patch pockets that not only look cute, but are also functional.—
Alicia Geigel,
Southern Living,
16 Sep. 2025
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The order, which, again, acts like one blanket prescription, allows pharmacists and other healthcare professionals to look at FDA approval for vaccines and not ACIP recommendations.—
Mary Walrath-Holdridge,
USA Today,
16 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Oklahoma’s Vintage Roadside Americana And Oktoberfest Road tripping in Oklahoma may be less about fall foliage and more about exploring the Sooner State’s nostalgia and charm.—
Emese Maczko,
Forbes.com,
19 Sep. 2025
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Focusing on the lifestyle factor that most trips you up is likely to have a greater impact on your health, London said.—
Angelica Stabile,
FOXNews.com,
17 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Fumble.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fumble. Accessed 22 Sep. 2025.
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